Mgt501 Module 1 Case 1

Trident University

Kevin Napoleon

Module 1 Case 1

Course Number: MGT501 Management and Organizational Behavior

Dr. Frank P. Nolan

August 25, 2014

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the fictional case of Linda Myers, an American expatriate manager working in a human resource position with a South Korean firm called SK Telecom. Additionally, this paper will define the problem Ms. Myers encountered, and what went wrong during her tenure with the aforementioned firm. The analysis of the problem’s cause will be conducted using Hofstede’s five dimensions of culture (Mind Tools, 2012) during a comparison of Korean and American assumptions about interpersonal relationships and management, as it is presented in this fictitious case. Finally, this paper will present a recommendation of three specific changes that could have been made in this case to accommodate the Korean business environment.

When Linda Myers accepted a position working for the human resources division of SK Telecom in South Korea she made a few mistakes in her preparation that relate to the nature of organizations and the contemporary environment of South Korea. These mistakes created more problems for her once she was in country and working with her bosses, peers, and subordinates.

In this paper we will analyze the case of Ms. Myers defining the problem, as well as what went wrong during her tenure with the aforementioned company. We will also analyze what caused the problem and explain it using Hofstede’s five dimensions of culture (Mind Tools, 2012) to compare Korean and American assumptions about interpersonal relationships and management. And finally, this paper will offer a solution to Myers’ problem by making a recommendation of three specific changes Ms. Myers could have made to her management style to accommodate the Korean environment.

Linda Myers and What Went Wrong

Although Ms. Myers, as presented in this case (Green, 2011), had a lot of...